CelestialAn immigrant from China, especially one engaged in goldmining. Based on the term "Celestial Empire", an early Australian term for China.

DancingThieves slang for a method of robbery in the goldfields.

DerwenterAn ex-convict from Tasmania

DiggeressThe wife or female companion of a digger.

Drop on itTo strike it lucky, to come upon gold.

DufferAn unproductive shaft or hole that produces little to no gold.

DufferdomA condition of complete failure.

Duffer rushA rush to a goldfield that proves unproductive.

Gold laceA sneering term for officials, especially those connected with the diggings.

Gunya (also called a Mia Mia)A term used in the NSW diggings for a temporary shelter usually made from sheets of bark and or branches, borrowed from the Aboriginal Dharuk language. The term Mia Mia was used on the Victorian Gold Fields, borrowed from the Wathawurung and Wuywurung languages.

HatterA miner who works independently, rather than in a partnership.

HocusTo stupefy a person with drugs, especially by means of drugged liquor, for a criminal purpose.

HumpTo carry a load, especially on one’s back.

Hungry QuartzQuartz with a very low yield of gold.

Jewellers ShopA rich deposit of gold.

JoeA mocking name for a policeman or trooper/
A cry warning the approach of such a person.
A term of derision or abuse, especially as applied to a person whose appearance, dress etc is not that of a miner.